As they left school behind, the echoes of the day's events still lingered, though neither spoke at first. The silence wasn't heavy—more like a quiet rhythm that had fallen into, their footsteps syncing on the worn cobblestone path. Starfania slowed, stealing a glance at Aeron. " I don't feel like going home yet. Mind if I come over?"
Aeron's lips curved into that soft smile she knew so well. " My home is your home, Starry. Always."
Something flickered in her chest at his words—warmth, safety—but her mind betrayed her with a flash of Daniel's grin, the way he had stood tall for her that morning. She shook that thought away, forcing her focus back to the boy walking beside her.
The afternoon sun stretched long shadows ahead of them, painting gold across the quiet street. Their talk meandered from homework gripes to small jokes about Professor Shadow's permanent scowl, to little things—memories of old pranks, the taste of Ren's bread, Violet's endless energy. By the time they turned the last corner, the world of school felt far away. Aeron's cottage came into view. It was modest, its paint weathered, its roof slightly crooked. But to Starfania, it radiated something she rarely felt in her own home—warmth. Belonging. Aeron unlocked the door, calling, " Vi! We've got company."
Light footsteps echoed before a girl appeared, beaming bright enough to rival the sun. Her lavender hair framed her face in loose waves, the white bow perched neatly like a crown of innocence. But it was her eyes that held Starfania—violet irises rimmed with faint blue, like galaxies swirling with secrets.
" Starry!" Violet squealed, her joy bubbling as she darted forward. Starfania barely had time to react before she was swept into a hug. Laughter spilled from her lips as Violet squeezed tight. Behind them, Aeron put on an exaggeratedly wounded expression. " Really? Not even a hello for your big brother?"
Violet released Starfania only long enough to smirk over her shoulder. " No offense, brother, but I see you all the time. You'll live. "
Starfania giggled, covering her mouth, but her heart ached at the simple warmth between them. This—this messy, playful love—was the kind of family moment she missed.
" Would you like to see Drogo again, Starry?" Violet asked, eyes sparkling. " It's been years, but I know he'd be thrilled."
Starfania's breath caught. " I'd love that."
Together, they slipped out the back, the scent of hay and fresh earth guiding them. A stable stood tall, and within it—a shadow that stole her breath. Drogo. Gone was the playful hatchling who once tugged at her hair and hid her shoes.
Before her rested a dragon gown with magnificent: scales dark and gleaming, wings folded like stormclouds, each breath slow and thunderous. Even in sleep, he radiated a power that made the air hum. Starfania's lips parted in wonder, her chest tight with memory and awe. " He's… incredible."
And for the first time in what felt like forever, she felt a childlike spark of joy. Aeron's gaze slid to her—not the dragon. He caught the light shimmering in her eyes, the way her shoulders eased as if the burdens she carried momentarily lifted. For a heartbeat, he forgot Drogo entirely. His chest tightened at the sight of her wonder, a rare softness breaking though her usual guarded edge. He looked away quickly, pretending to fuss with Drogo's feed bucket, but the image lingered in his mind, burning quietly. Starfania, unaware of his stolen glance, whispered, " He's…incrediable."
And for Aeron, it wasn't just Drogo she meant.